A Quarter-Century Celebration – Casey Cares 25th Silver Anniversary Gala
The Casey Cares 25th Annual Silver Anniversary Gala was a fantastic evening celebrating their journey and raising over $300,000 for their remarkable programs and activities for critically ill children!
With over 400 attendees packing the American Visionary Art Museum, the night kicked off with a sparkling cocktail hour featuring delicious food (including a stunning 25 made of shrimp!), refreshing drinks and mocktails, a dazzling silver backdrop for group photos, and live jazz music that captivated guests from the start.
Emceed by the wonderful Weather Channel meteorologist and longtime Casey Cares supporter Lynette Charles, alongside newcomer Kara Burnett from WMAR’s Good Morning Maryland, the event was full of energy. Guests participated in exciting live and silent auctions, bidding on items like a destination trips, an Orioles Gunnar Henderson jersey, restaurant and wine packages, and VIP tickets to a Baltimore Ravens game.
During the gala, Casey Cares Founder and Executive Director Casey Baynes presented the annual Champion of Children Award to Dr. Renee Boss from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. For 25 years, Johns Hopkins has been a steadfast supporter of Casey Cares families, ensuring patients receive not only world-class medical care but also the unique palliative support we provide. Casey Cares is deeply grateful for their commitment and the profound impact they have on the lives of over 1,000 critically ill children and their families.
A heartfelt video, sponsored by the Bostwick Family, showcased Casey Cares families, highlighting the ongoing support Casey Cares provides thanks to donors and sponsors. Casey Cares parents were asked to stand for their recognition. You can watch the video here.
Casey Cares also presented the inaugural Legacy of Memories Award posthumously to Casey Cares supporter and former Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz, given to his brother Chris. This award recognizes individuals who have profoundly impacted Casey Cares’ mission to support critically ill children and their families.
The evening concluded with special music thanks to Blakely Cain and guests showcased their incredible dance moves!
A huge thank you to our generous Platinum Sponsors: Foundation Housing, Arfaa Law Group, Arco Management Corp/MMS Group, CohnReznick, Carding Group, the Bostwicks, Salsbury Stringer McCulley, and Weltchek Mallahan & Weltchek
Gold Sponsors: DiMayo Family Foundation, EagleBank, Firstrust Bank, Gragg Cardona Souadi, Henry A. Strohminger Family Foundation Inc., Johns Hopkins University & Medicine, Kramon & Graham, M&T Bank, MileOne, Nicholas & Susan Crivella, Paul Capodanno – Capitol Wealth Management Group, Sons of The American Legion, Whiting Turner
Silver Sponsors: Lifebridge Health, Live! Casino & Hotel, Chesa, Merritt Properties
Bronze Sponsors: Arrow Parking, Bill Meissner, Eric and Dalia Sussman, Goodman-Gable-Gould, Adjusters International, Goulston & Storrs, Heineken (Republic National Distributing Company), Kriger Insurance, Nusinov Smith, Reno & Cavanaugh
We also appreciate our fantastic media and in-kind sponsors: HeidnSeek Entertainment, DowntownDiane.net, Bridge Tower Media – The Daily Record, Baltimore Magazine, Focus On Women Magazine, Atlantic Caterers, Berger Cookies, Electric Events DC, Tom Reyes & Friends, Triangle Sign Services, and White Clover Floral Events.
Special thanks to Peter Watts from Five Arrows Photography for capturing the evening’s magic. View the photos below.
Over the past quarter-century, Casey Cares has delivered an astounding 259,398 activities to 470,189 program participants. Thanks to your generous contributions and support, we can continue adapting to the evolving needs of our expanding number of families, offering activities designed to bring smiles when they’re needed most. If you couldn’t attend the gala but wish to contribute, please consider making a donation today!